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I have spent the last few days working on my summer reading and writing packets. Because my students enter middle school next year, I will not see them when September rolls around. This makes it difficult to hold them accountable for summer work, as they know they won’t be seeing me that first day of school! I really have to rely on intrinsic motivation. And maybe some bribing. ;)

Last year I made a summer reading packet, which was for parents and students. It had 2 pages about summer reading and the positive effects it has on student learning and retention. Then I listed 3 pages of books for all types of readers, divided by grade level (3-5, 7-8, 9+). I am planning to hand out the same packet this year, but it needs some revising. My students this year have become voracious readers, to begin with. The packet will be adjusted for their needs. Also, they love reading new books, and sharing their opinions on them. I am adding a lot of new books to my booklist, along with a page of links to sites that might interest them. The links will be a nice mix of blogs, publisher’s websites, and places like GoodReads.

I have never given summer writing work before, but I was inspired by this post over at TwoWritingTeachers. I am using Stacey’s packet as a template and adjusting it for my soon-to-be 7th graders. It will be an interesting experiment to see if I get a response to the reading/writing work packet.